Idaho’s edges are a mosaic of small towns where state lines meet rivers, highways and mountain passes. These communities often serve as local hubs for recreation, agriculture and cross-border commerce, and they tell a lot about how Idaho connects with its neighbors.
There are 12 Idaho border towns, ranging from Brownlee to Weiser; for each town you’ll find below Country,Bordering state/province,Population to help compare location and size — see the full list you’ll find below.
How close are these towns to the actual state line?
Distances vary: some towns sit literally on the border while others lie a few miles inland, often because of rivers or roads that define the boundary; check the “Bordering state/province” column and local maps for exact distances and access points.
Can I use this list to plan travel or services across the border?
Yes—use the Country and Population columns to gauge services and amenities, and the Bordering state/province field to identify nearby crossings or highways, but confirm current road conditions, hours and any travel restrictions before you go.
Idaho Border Towns
| Name | Country | Bordering state/province | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Line | US | Washington | 35 |
| Oldtown | US | Washington | 201 |
| Lewiston | US | Washington | 34,899 |
| Weiser | US | Oregon | 5,744 |
| Payette | US | Oregon | 8,983 |
| Fruitland | US | Oregon | 6,432 |
| Brownlee | US | Oregon | 15 |
| Franklin | US | Utah | 1,023 |
| Fish Haven | US | Utah | 150 |
| Freedom | US | Wyoming | 250 |
| Porthill | US | British Columbia | 20 |
| Eastport | US | British Columbia | 50 |
Images and Descriptions
State Line
Aptly named, this small unincorporated community sits directly on the Idaho-Washington border near Post Falls. It’s a unique destination known for its cluster of businesses and entertainment venues that cater to residents from both states, thriving on its precise border location.
Oldtown
Situated on the Pend Oreille River, which forms the state line, Oldtown is the Idaho counterpart to Newport, Washington. This small timber town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle directly on the border, sharing services and a community identity with its Washington neighbor.
Lewiston
Idaho’s first territorial capital sits where the Snake and Clearwater rivers meet, with the Snake forming the border with Clarkston, Washington. It’s a major regional hub and the nation’s most inland seaport on the West Coast, directly connected to the Pacific Ocean.
Weiser
Famous for hosting the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest, Weiser is located where the Weiser River meets the Snake River, which marks the Oregon border. The city’s proximity to the state line makes it a cultural and agricultural hub for the surrounding bi-state region.
Payette
Named for a French-Canadian fur trapper, Payette lies directly on the Snake River, which separates it from Oregon. The city is a key part of an agricultural area that includes Fruitland, Idaho, and Ontario, Oregon, functioning as a single economic community across the border.
Fruitland
Living up to its name, Fruitland is a center for fruit production, especially apples and cherries. Located right on the Snake River border with Oregon, it forms a close-knit economic and social community with its larger neighbor, Ontario, Oregon, just across the water.
Brownlee
A tiny, remote community in Hells Canyon situated at the Brownlee Dam on the Snake River. This spot primarily serves as an access point for recreation on the reservoir, which straddles the Idaho-Oregon state line, attracting anglers, boaters, and campers to its isolated location.
Franklin
As Idaho’s oldest permanent European-American settlement, Franklin is steeped in history. The town’s southern boundary is literally the Utah state line, with State Street running along the border, making it a true and historically significant border community in the Cache Valley.
Fish Haven
A resort community on the shores of the stunningly blue Bear Lake, Fish Haven sits directly on the Utah border. This popular vacation spot is known for its summer recreation, with many cabins and homes enjoying a location that straddles the line between two states.
Freedom
A unique unincorporated community that literally straddles the Idaho-Wyoming state line, with the border running down its main street. This small, rural village in the picturesque Star Valley shares its identity and services between both states, offering a quiet, scenic life.
Porthill
A small unincorporated community in the Kootenai River valley, Porthill is primarily known as a U.S. Port of Entry on the Canadian border. It serves as a quiet crossing point into British Columbia, surrounded by the beautiful Selkirk Mountains and fertile agricultural lands.
Eastport
Located at Idaho’s northernmost tip, Eastport is a key U.S. Port of Entry and a major commercial truck crossing on the Canadian border. This small community exists almost entirely to service the international traffic between Idaho and British Columbia along U.S. Route 95.
